Film Competition Rules
The following rules govern all film submissions to the Cinebay Film Festival (“CBFF” or the “Festival”)
Please Note: Only films that are submitted will be considered for competition. We only accept short films, no film longer than 30 minutes, that are family friendly, we do not accept films that explores sex or sexuality in any form, nor do we accept films with harsh obscene violence or profane language. We are very strict on our rules. If a film is submitted breaking our rule and or terms there will be no refund given.

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY

Submissions must be accompanied by the applicable submission fee PER ENTRY and a completed online entry form. All films must be in English or have English subtitles at the time submitted.

Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway. We will not be accepting DVDs or hard file copies.

CBFF screens films as digital files during the Festival and does NOT screen films on Blu-Ray, HD-CAM, or DCP. If you are unable or unwilling to provide us your film as a digital file for exhibition, DO NOT SUBMIT your film.

Films must have been completed after January 1, 2024. Films must be available for screening during the Cinebay Film Festival, October 2026.

Films with US distribution (obtained prior to being selected for CBFF screening) or films produced, financed or initiated by a major film studio or television network are ineligible for competition, but may be considered for a special screening. Selection for screening will be determined no later than 25 days prior to the festival. Films that have screened on US network or cable television or distributed to theaters prior to the festival dates are also ineligible for competition.

Short films that are publicly available online prior to the Festival may be considered for exhibition during the Festival, but will be ineligible for Jury Awards. We prefer that shorts not be publicly available online. Online, private screenings through a festival’s online program do not count as publicly available online.
Private invite-only screenings (for instance for cast and crew or donors) do not affect a film’s eligibility.

CBFF reserves the right in its sole discretion to reject or disqualify any ineligible entries, without a refund.

Films that are selected to screen at the Festival may not necessarily be selected to be “in competition” for awards purposes. Notifications regarding potential selection for competition status possibly may occur subsequent to notifications of acceptance for exhibition.

ORIGINALITY AND PERMISSIONS; INDEMNITY

Films must be the original work of the applicants. If a film is based upon another person’s life or upon a book or other underlying work, applicant(s) must secure any necessary rights to make such adaptations. However, it is not necessary to submit the adaptation rights agreements to the Festival. Neither the Festival nor its jurists investigates or attests to the authenticity of an applicant’s statement of authorship or rights secured. By entering the competition, you represent that you have secured all necessary rights.

Applicants are solely responsible for obtaining all necessary rights and permissions for third-party materials included in their films, including but not limited to music, trademarks, logos, copyrights, and other intellectual property rights. CBFF expressly disclaims all liability or responsibility for any violations of the foregoing.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Films that have not received a full color edit, or sound edit are eligible for submission. CBFF prefers picture-locked submissions for the consideration process. CBFF’s focus is on story, technical changes such as color or sound will not affect the final decision of any film. Should the film be accepted to play during the Festival, the filmmaker will have the opportunity to supply the Festival with their most recent version.

Once an entry payment has been received we cannot provide a refund. If a payment is disputed by an entrant for any reason, the entrant may be subject to any transaction fees or similar amounts incurred by CBFF in connection with the dispute.
You MUST include your physical address either in your entry or in your cover letter. Please do not submit a film without giving us your address, which we need for our records.

Entry Fee Payments are to be made on FilmFreeway. Films submission will not be considered until payment is made.
Entry is open for all age groups.
Please include if your film was SHOT IN BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (include locations) or made by BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC. We don’t want to miss your film.

SELECTED FILMS AND WINNERS
CBFF has no obligation (other than as stated in these rules or on our website) to disclose any of the following information: i) identities of screeners or judges; ii) notes, feedback, or information relating to the submitted project; and/or iii) details regarding the submission review or selection process.
CBFF explicitly disclaims any liability or responsibility for any comments, notes, or opinions expressed about a submission, whether by CBFF or by its volunteers.
Winners will be announced at the festival. The judges’ decision is final.
Winners receiving cash prizes are solely responsible for payment of all applicable local, state, and federal taxes.

COMPETITION IS VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
Still in need of assistance? The CBFF is happy to help! Email at cinebayfilmfest@gmail.com

FAQs
When are the Deadline/what are the Entry Fees for the 2026 Film Competition?
We have one deadline and one entry fee for the 2026 festival. Check back for details.
Submitted online by 11:59PM PST on the deadline date to be eligible for the corresponding deadline.

Do you waive submission fees?
Cinebay Film Festival does not waive entry fees. CBFF believes waiving entry fees hurts the integrity of the competition. The same rules and entry fees should apply to all applicants so no one film is favored over another.
However, we offer bulk submission discounts. Any inquiries about these discounts, please email cinebayfilmfest@gmail.com.

What are the different categories that I can enter?
Narrative Short
Documentary Short
Animated Short
Music Videos

Can I submit more than one film in a single category?
Yes! You can submit as many films as you want. Please be sure to complete separate entry forms and separate submission fees for each film.

Where can I find a submission entry form?
You can submit an entry form through FilmFreeway

My film already has distribution. Am I still eligible to submit to the CBFF competition?
Films with U.S. distribution (obtained prior to being selected for CBFF screening) or films produced, financed or initiated by a major film studio or television network are ineligible for competition, but may be considered for a special screening. Selection for screening will be determined no later than one month prior to the festival. Films that have been shown on US network or cable television or distributed to theaters prior to the festival dates are also ineligible for competition.

If my film is accepted into the competition, do I get tickets or passes?
Each accepted film receives one complimentary ticket to the festival.

My film didn’t get in. Can you tell me why? Do you offer feedback?
At this time we do not offer feedback on film submissions.

Do you accept international submissions?
Yes

What should I include with my submission?
Along with the application via our online entry form, all we need is a digital copy of the film. We request that you do not send any extra materials like photos or press kits. We will not keep anything other than the digital copy of the film.

Do all writers/filmmakers involved need to be listed on the entry form? Should others (co-writer/director/etc.) also be credited on the application?
That is for you to settle with your collaborators. You will receive a notification if your film is submitted and can change acknowledgments at that time if necessary.  Remember, all awards will be presented to the Producer of the winning film, with the exception of a Documentary and Animated films, which will be presented to the Director.

What are the options for uploading my film digitally?
We only accept digital submissions via FilmFreeway.

Can I send in a new/better/color-corrected/shorter/longer cut?
No. Please hold off on submitting your film until it is complete. Aside from minor post-production additions like color correction and sound mixing, we do not accept works-in-progress and will not update a submission with a more recent cut.  If the film is screened during the festival, you will have a short amount of time to supply us with the most recent version beforehand.

Who are this year’s judges?
TBD

When will I hear about if my film has been selected to screen in the festival?
The selection for screening will be announced at least 25 days prior to the festival. Filmmakers will be notified regarding the status of their film before the CineBay Film Festival.

What are the prizes?
Jury Awards:
Jury Awards will be presented to the producer of the winning films of all three competition categories, with the exception of the Documentary and Animated films, which will be presented to the Director. Jury Awards are based on the overall merit of the entries. Jury members reserve the right not to grant an award.

Jury Award Winners receive:
Cash prize of $350 (Narrative Short, Documentary Short and/or Animated Short)

When will the awards be given out?
The awards will be presented during the Cinebay Film Festival. Awards are based on the overall merit of the entries. In-competition awards are determined by a distinguished group of jurors, all established within the film industry.  All awards will be presented to the producer of the winning films with the exception of the Documentary and Animated films, which will be presented to the director.

Do I need to obtain all rights for music and other copyrighted materials in my film?
Yes.  While CBFF will not investigate these clearances, we will also not be held responsible for any copyright infringements.  If your film is accepted into the festival, you must sign a waiver indicating all rights were legally obtained to the materials in your film.

What age group is allowed to enter?
The festival is open to all age groups.